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I taught my sons (4 and 6 at the time) to fly on 3Ds and was amazed at the punishment those kites were able to take. I would hope the 4D would be similar.

Ron

Aside from the centerT ferrule, I think the kite is very durable. From the sounds of it, Prism has/is working on a more durable replacement. The big thing that the current centerT does not like to do is a dead-launch, which is a shame because the kite easily does one.

I've flown the 4D in eighteen mile an hour gusts, and since there was no contact with terra firma there was no foul other than a slightly warped center tee...........the kite is great for 0 to 12 flying.....newbie/ experienced......no nevermind. A very hardy kite just like the 3 D, IMO...........

The ferrules on the lower spreader have been a problem. I actually switched mine out - I created a full length lower spreader from the same carbon rod and switched over to that.

That is a great idea. How do you connect your self made lower spreader to the spin? I simply put some superglue on lower spreaders where they connect to the center T and make them a bit bigger diameter for tighter fit. If it is too tight, just use sandpaper sand them down a bit until tight fit is achieved. They do not come apart so far.

The ferrules on the lower spreader have been a problem. I actually switched mine out - I created a full length lower spreader from the same carbon rod and switched over to that.

That is a great idea. How do you connect your self made lower spreader to the spin? I simply put some superglue on lower spreaders where they connect to the center T and make them a bit bigger diameter for tighter fit. If it is too tight, just use sandpaper sand them down a bit until tight fit is achieved. They do not come apart so far.

Close - I just took the bit of a standoff that goes around the rod and cut off the standoff part and put it on the center of the carbon rod (with glue as well). Then, I put the centerT connector in hot water until I could shove the standoff section into it. It's very secure - many hours flyign now and it does not move.

Your idea is essentially the same. I have used your technique on female lower spreaders than get worn down from friction inside the rod mostly due to sand I am guessing. Build it up with 4-5 thin layers of CA and it fits tight as new.

I've flown the 4D in eighteen mile an hour gusts, and since there was no contact with terra firma there was no foul other than a slightly warped center tee...........the kite is great for 0 to 12 flying.....newbie/ experienced......no nevermind. A very hardy kite just like the 3 D, IMO...........

I think I was actually there to witness this if I recall! It was one of those SUL to vented and back again days!

The ferrules on the lower spreader have been a problem - you can call Prism and have them send you a handful. I actually switched mine out - I created a full length lower spreader form the same carbon rod and switched over to that. It's nice because it doesn't break and you can actually be more aggressive with the kite for cyniques, multi-lazys, etc without worrying about the LS coming apart.

Love the advice on the lower spreader (I never thought of that)- can't wait to give it a try! thanks!

Probably harder to find but the Level One Easy Lite is a terrific lower wind kite.

Not an SUL but flys nicely in 2.5 to 3 up. It is a 5' footer but is not "twitchy" like many smaller kites. It is framed in 4mm carbon so very robust and good overall wind range. Typical build quality on a Level One kites is very good. The Easy Lite is a blast to fly in small spaces on 25' lines. The only drawback is the lower spreader is one piece on a swivel center-T so the kite does not break down small for travel. (if that is a concern)

I have had one in my bag for years and it never fails to bring a kite happy face.

Logged

ericforum member since 04/21/2001and still can't fly like those darn videos

My first low wind kite was a 4D. Flew it quite a bit, didn't care for the small size and the twitchy behavior, probably mostly due to the size. I just got a Niknak, and what a difference. The Niknak is big, smooth, easy to fly, and not twitchy at all. Built very well, and should last forever.

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